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"Victory could have been ours. We are aware the win was there."

Manager Gregor Townsend voiced pride in the Scottish performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five loss at their home ground.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the half, only to fight back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the New Zealand team, who had multiple members placed in the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a few key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably showed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"There's growth in this team and we must win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance show we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Match

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been stopped over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

"Opponents get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in three home Tests against the All Blacks as head coach - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've been to winning, I believe. We controlled the later stages, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and bigger games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either surrender or decide to go for it.

"We had nothing to lose and all to play for.

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina will not make it any easier."